National University big man PJ Palacielo stressed the importance of keeping the Bulldogs’ frontcourt intact after their 76-56 victory over the University of the East in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Palacielo played a key role in NU’s interior rotation alongside Kenshin Padrones and Mo Diassana, with the trio tasked with providing a strong presence in the paint.
The Bulldogs’ big men have been instructed to avoid foul trouble, particularly Padrones, who starts for NU.
“Una talaga, sinasabi ko sa kanila, lalo na first five si Kenshin sabi ko, iwasan lang nila ma-foul trouble kasi mahirap kapag nawala talaga kami,” Palacielo said in an interview with Brian Callada. “Isa sa amin ma-foul trouble, mahirapan kami, kailangan talaga kaming tatlo sa loob ng paint.”
Palacielo said the three-man frontcourt is focused on carrying out the instructions of head coach Jeff Napa and making the right reads instead of forcing plays.
“Ayun nasabi lang naman namin kung ano iyung papagawa sa atin, gawin natin kung ano iyung gusto ni coach Jeff (Napa) na mag-facilitate tayo,” he said.
He added that Napa has shown confidence in his big men and is gradually giving them more responsibility on offense.
“Alam ko naman na tiwala sa amin si coach Jeff baka gusto ninyong i-dump sa amin ni Kenshin ang bola sa post. And then, eventually, magagawa niya na rin naman sa mga susunod. Hindi naman minamadali ni coach Jeff,” Palacielo said.
Despite taking control early, NU allowed UE to make a push in the second half. The Bulldogs led 42-20 at halftime but were outscored, 20-12, in the third quarter before recovering in the final period.
Palacielo admitted that the defensive lapses that allowed the Red Warriors to come back were a concern.
“Naasabi ko sa kanila, huwag lang namin iwala iyung level ng game namin. Ayun nga, nangyari second half, medyo, ang daming lapses talaga eh kasi lang humabol iyung UE, which is sobrang sama para sa amin,” he said.
Palacielo said the Bulldogs cannot afford another letdown as they prepare for the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons next.
“Yung mga laban ng next game talaga mabigat, kailangan namin mag-prepare nang maayos, iyung focus namin,” he said. (Adrian Co)
